More on the law

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Lincolnshire Echo 27.8.07

 

POLICE SET THEIR SIGHTS ON POACHERS

09:45 - 27 August 2007

 

Families who go for a day out in the Lincolnshire countryside are being asked to keep watch for blood sports enthusiasts.

 

Lincolnshire Police wildlife officers are bracing themselves for an expected increase in acts of cruelty towards hares, deer and badgers.

 

It is legal to go hare coursing during the September to March season with the landowner's permission.

 

But the gangs behind the activity also trespass on land, damage newly-sown fields and steal farm equipment and supplies, particularly diesel.

 

They have also been known to illegally hunt deer and bait badgers.

 

Groups come from as far afield as Manchester, Northumberland and even Devon and Cornwall to attack wildlife in Lincolnshire.

 

Dogs chasing hares are often videoed and the footage taken back to where the coursers live and used in major betting events.

 

The Hunting Act 2004 means that anyone found guilty of hare coursing is liable on conviction to a fine of up to £5,000.

 

PC Nigel Lound, a Lincolnshire Police wildlife officer, said the force had had several recent reports of people trespassing on private land, with many travelling in 4x4 vehicles during darkness.

 

"Traditionally, individuals come to Lincolnshire to run dogs at our wildlife," said PC Lound.

 

"The first the landowner will know about the activity is discovering tyre tracks the following morning and grim evidence that animals have been killed."

 

He stressed that illegal hare coursers should not be approached.

 

"Under no circumstances must landowners or gamekeepers approach these individuals as firearms have been known to be used by them on occasions," he said.

 

"The kind of information we need to secure prosecutions is registration numbers and types of vehicles involved.

 

"This has proved very useful in previous cases allowing us to carry out enquiries - often nationwide."

 

Farmer Mark Ireland, who farms at North Rauceby, near Sleaford, said illegal hare coursers were a particular menace.

 

"Our fields are either side of the A17 and not content with simply walking on to our land, illegal hare coursers drive their 4x4s on to it," he said.

 

"The worst time is at the end of September and into October and November when they drive across newly- drilled fields."

 

Anyone with information about illegal hare coursing should contact Lincolnshire Police on (01522) 532222 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

 

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